Oxted, British, Traditional Restaurant Guide

This cute 16th-century village pub offers a far-from-standard menu which changes monthly to reflect seasonal local produce, with a notably “solid Sunday lunch” among the highlights.

“Worth the rattling ride down on the Northern line!”, says a fan from E18 of this neighbourhood spot, “tucked away in the relatively unlikely environs of Tooting”. The “clever food” centres on brined half-chicken portions (with crispy battered cauliflower as the veggie alternative) plus a supporting cast of starters, small plates and puddings – results are “outstanding”.